Sarah Samynathan & the Pink Ribbon Club

Sarah Samynathan is an inspiration to say the least. She lives in California and is the winner of the M&M scholarship for 2013, and has her roots right here in Sri Lanka.

Among the myriad of young people who are easily moved by a cause and have strong outlooks to express, Sarah is someone who set a precedent by going that extra mile and actually doing something about a cause close to her heart.

She initiated the first Pink Ribbon Club for Middle School level, when she was a 7^th grader! She now marks 6 years of her involvement in the Pink Ribbon Club, during the course of which she has held the position of Vice Presidency twice and Presidency during her senior year.

Watch her video here:  

She shares her journey with the Pink Ribbon Club, in today’s Young Life.

In your video, you've said that breast cancer is not a comfortable topic for women, more so teenagers. What drew you towards this issue at such an early age? To where would you trace back your intial interest in the topic?

Originally what drew me towards this issue was the need to feel involved and help my community. It started when my dad picked up a pamphlet about the Pink Ribbon Club Foundation in the 6th grade and I automatically felt that it would be a good way to give back to the community since it is not a rare issue and it affects almost everyone either directly or indirectly.

How do you see the M&M scholarship as a means of furthering your cause and activism?

The M&M scholarship is definitely a form of motivation for me to continue working to help the breast cancer community work towards a cure whether it be on my new college campus or well into the rest of my life.

Tell us about the Pink Ribbon Club. How is it empowering for those not directly affected by breast cancer and those who are, alike?

The Pink Ribbon Club is empowering for all young men and women because it becomes a safe zone for everyone to talk about breast cancer whether they know someone who is diagnosed or wants to feel more comfortable with talking about the topic. At some point in everyone's life, there is a good chance that everyone will know someone affected by breast cancer and it is important to know how to handle the situation as well as have some on hand knowledge and resources so that it is not uncomfortable and we can better help the cancer patient become a cancer survivor.

Halfway through your cause, the tragedy hit closer to home. Tell us how your involvement in the Pink Ribbon Club helped you cope with your own family's sorrow.

When my grandma got breast cancer, it was really hard emotionally and mentally and finally I understood the pain of being indirectly affected by breast cancer. However, being in the Pink Ribbon Club had given me resources, information, connections, and friends that helped me and my family get through the difficult time. I had a support group around me who all cared about me, my family, and most importantly, my grandma. 

Why would you encourage the starting of this club in other parts of the world?

I would encourage this club in other parts of the world because with these kinds of groups, breast cancer has become a more approachable topic in America and if we could start clubs like this elsewhere, maybe someday everyone will be able to talk about breast cancer openly and not be ashamed to have breast cancer. 

All in all, the Pink Ribbon Club is an excellent way to give young men and women the opportunity to help better their community and touch the lives of many. Through education, fundraising, and raising awareness, someday we will have a cure for breast cancer!

By Nivedha Jeyaseelan